China-financed National Defense College handed over to Tanzania

Chen Mingjian, Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, on Sunday handed over the new China-aided building of the National Defense College to Mathew Mkingule, Tanzania People's Defense Forces chief of staff.

The event which was witnessed by Samia Suluhu Hassan, Tanzania's president, marks another accomplishment in China's campaign to build critical government infrastructure in Africa.

The $24 million building, which was funded by the Chinese government and built by Chinese contractors, is expected to provide short courses to local government officials in order to improve their efficiency without compromising national security.

"The National Defense College should consider admitting tender-age students who can serve the country for many years after graduation. The building should be properly preserved to honor the donation," Hassan said.

Chen said the economic ties between the two countries were getting stronger, noting that in the first nine months this year, trade volume increased by 50 percent to $4.7 billion, compared to 2020.

"Exports to China increased by 62.5 percent, while imports by Tanzania increased by 48 percent. Tanzania soybean was successfully exported to China and the country's agricultural products such as coffee secured platforms in the China International Import Expo and gained popularity in the market," Chen said.

China?has?been?Tanzania's?largest?trading?partner?and?biggest?source?of?foreign?investment?for?several years.?The?Julius?Nyerere?International?Convention?Centre,?the?University?of?Dar?es?Salaam?Library?and?the?Jakaya?Kikwete?Cardiac?Institute?built?with?Chinese?assistance?have?become?new?milestone?projects?of?China-Tanzania?friendship.?

In addition, China?has?supported?Tanzania?in?fighting?the?COVID-19?pandemic and has provided nearly?3.5?million?doses?of?vaccines?to?Tanzania.

"The?infrastructural?projects?undertaken?by?Chinese?companies, such?as?the?fifth?section?of?the?Standard?Gauge?Railway, the?expansion?and?renovation?of?Dar?es?Salaam?Port,?and?the?China-Tanzania?production?capacity?cooperation?projects such?as?the?acquisition?of?Maweni?Limestone?Ltd?by?Huaxin?Cement are?all proof that our cooperation is?progressing?steadily," Chen said.

According to Mkingule, 100 training participants can now be admitted to the college an increase from the 40 students who enrolled when the project was completed.